The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-27
EARLHAM COLLEGE.
Summary of Commencement Exercises-Ab-
stract of President Mills's Baccalaureate.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
RICHMOND. june 26.-The exercises attending
the closing week of the college year were COM
menced by musical entertainment on Tuesday
evening. The department of music has been
but recently established, yet the different num-
bers on the programme were rendered in q man
ner that elected commendation both for per-
formers and their instructors. On Saturday
evening joint entertainment was given by the
literary societies of the preparatory department
After short address by the president, Carrie
Price, of Cleveland O., the following programme
was rendered:
Declamation-..Th Painter of Seville" Eta Hall
Orasion-'.The Character of Gods. j. Marshall
Musc-''St Albon's Grand March Jessie Watson
Paper-..The Nut Shelf. Emma Davis
Recitation-''soul of America Anna sedgwick
Study-'Harret Beacher Stowe Edith r. Hunt
Musc-'WereI Bird d Fly to Thee" Isabel Thomas
Yesterday morning began the commencement
exercises proper, with the baccalaureate sermon
by President j. j. Mills. Always an impressive
speaker, his effort on this occasion OF
marked ability. His theme was the conquest of
self, the masterful possession of ones fac
ulties. By illustrations drawn from historical
and biblical sources, he showed that mans actions
are the results of series of previous disciplin-
ing agencies He represented man existing
in the two relations of subordn alton to God and
coordination to his fellow man; the first perma-
nent and giving strength to the second,
which is variable and depends the
relation he sustans to his environment.
Each Individual is alone; isolated and insulated,
so far as his responsibility is concerned, but,
like the Tree of Existence in tho Scandinavian
my th an intricate relationship exists by which
It is impossible for one to suffer without all
Heredity, the influence of past ages forms
important factor in the struggle for the posses
sion of personal powers. When the victory is
won; when the man fnds himself master OF
himself, he Is prepared to meet his work. Work
and worker are brought face to face. His
destiny may not De great-historv may never
record great things of him-but as Queen Esther
by personal graces unconsciously saved Gods
chosen peonle, so an ordinary endowment
well controlled may be the key to unlock potent
destinies In every life there comes time OF
coronation. The discipline OF the past and the
opportunity OF the present meet. The amounting
in the wilderness is preparation for tho crown
ing day of latent powers developed into energy.
Unfortunately, some never find this time Their
lives are passive and receptive in their relations
to society. That man is great who can rise
above his surroundings and give back to others
in redouhled power that which he has received.
Life in college is not simply to follow certain
lines of study. not merely to acquire material
facts: but to obtain such mastery of
a man ready to meet and solve the problems
arising from the turbulent condition of society.
The aristocracy of thought of rank, and Of
property presenting difficulties. the settle
ment of which. in this time of peace, offer far
bett opportunities for intelligent heroism
than can be found in the annals of The
legitimate realm of conquest is self-possession
for the glory of God and the good of mankind.
The discourse was listened to- by large audi
ence, guests having already commenced to ar
rive Among those present were j. r. Evans,
of indianapolis, president of the board of trus-
tees; Prof II. c. Fellow. of Wilmington College
Mr.. A. N Hadley; Of Indianapolis Rev. Mr..
Pond, of Oberlin. secretary of the National L.
S. Union and others.
The prospects are that the attendance will be
very large during the coming week.